Final answer:
In Emily Dickinson's 'Hope is the Thing with Feathers,' hope is metaphorically described as a bird, representing it as a delicate yet persistent presence in the soul. The correct answer to the question is option B: Hope is portrayed as a fragile, bird-like creature.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Emily Dickinson's poem "Hope is the Thing with Feathers," hope is metaphorically described as a bird. This metaphor represents hope as a delicate yet persistent presence that resides within the soul and sings continuously. The bird metaphor aligns with the notion of hope as something that can uplift and persist through challenges, remaining present even in tough times.
Metaphors in literature are a common technique used to draw a comparison between two unlike things, giving a more vivid and powerful meaning to a concept. In this case, hope is not portrayed as a physical bird, but the qualities of a bird, its ability to perch, sing, and offer comfort, are transposed onto the idea of hope. The poem does not compare hope to a river, mountain, or flame, which rules out options A, C, and D as correct answers.
The correct answer here is B. Hope is portrayed as a fragile, bird-like creature.